Wales started their build up for the Euro 2004 qualifiers with an uninspiring 0-0 draw against the Czech Republic in Cardiff.

Deprived of key figures, most notably Gary Speed, Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy, Wales created little and were fortunate to escape with a draw. The Czech Republic dominated for long periods but failed to convert several clear openings.

However, Wales manager, Mark Hughes will be pleased with the perfromance of his inexperience side. With only two defeats in the last 11 games there are promising signs that Wales are heading in the right direction.

Hughes gave Cardiff City defender Danny Gabbidon his debut at left back. And it was a double celebration for Fulham's Andy Melville who won his 50th cap and also captained the side.

The Czech Republic started brightly immediately putting Wales under early pressure. In the opening minutes Liverpool midfielder Vladimier Smicer forced an excellent save from Darren Ward.

The Czech's dominated possession in the opening quarter without creating clear cut chances. Wales, on the other hand, created little and their attack was limited to pumping hopeful long balls towards John Hartson. When Wales finally got into a good position Nathan Blake was booked for diving.

However, in the 18 minute Wales nearly took the lead. Melville flicked on a long throw by Mark Delaney and Milan Fukal nearly sliced his attempted clearance into his own net.

The Czech's struck back immediately and had two excellent opportunities to take the lead. Tomas Rosicky headed a free kick straight at Ward and Tomas Ujfalusi headed narrowly wide form a corner.

Minutes later Ward was called into action again, the Forest keeper producing another fine save to keep out a stinging effort from Vratislav Lokvenc.

Wales finally created an opening at the end of the first half. Ward's goal kick was headed on by John Hartson and Jason Koumas's effort was well saved by Petr Cech.

Wales dodged a few bullets in the opening ten minutes of the second half. Both Smicer and replacement striker Libor Sionoko missed glorious opportunities and Jan Koller's headed effort found the net but the giant substitute was offside.

The Czech's continued to pile on the pressure. Simon Davies was robbed of possession deep in his own half but Tomas Galasek failed to take advantage, shooting a weak effort straight at replacement goalkeeper Danny Coyne.

Wales finally managed to relieve the pressure but Hartson's header from Koumas's free kick was easily saved by Martin Vaniak.

Sionok was a continuing threat to the Welsh defence and only brave defending by Melville denied Koeller from getting the breakthrough.

Wales were struggling to create any attacking positions and in the 72 minute Mark Hughes replaced Hartson and Savage with Paul Trollope and Paul Evans, the latter making his debut.

The substitutions had little impact but by now the Czech's were also struggling in attack.

In the 85 minute, Davies found himself in a good position out on the right but his cross into the six-yard box was missed by everyone.

The Czech's nearly snatched victory at the death. Porbosky was set free on the right and his cross into the area was only inches too high for the unmarked Koller.

And deep into injury time Koeller shot narrowly wide after Delaney failed to clear the danger.